KICK IT OUT CEO Tony Burnett is planning to retire from the sport’s anti-discrimination organisation, he has announced.

Mr Burnett, who has been in the role for three years, called time on the job to spend more time with his family and other passions.

Kick It Out said that while it was “disappointed to lose such an outstanding and humble leader who has made a huge difference to the organisation, we understand his desire to hang up his boots. They will be big ones to fill and we thank him dearly for his wisdom and direction at a key time.”

Burnett said: “It has been an absolute privilege to lead this brilliant organisation over the last three years.

“I would like to thank chair Sanjay Bhandari and the board for all their fantastic support. I would also like to thank all the very special colleagues whose incredible work makes Kick It Out a truly unique organisation.”

The former semi-professional footballer joined Kick It Out in 2021 in the middle of the pandemic. He previously worked as the West Midlands Police force’s assistant director for diversity and inclusion.